Oak Ford is one of many good values among Sarasota golf courses.

I'm going to Sarasota, Florida in January. Can you recommend some golf courses in the area that are a good value?

Let me preface this by saying that everyone has their own definitions of what "value" or "discount golf vacations" are. Without knowing yours, I'll assume you're looking for good, but no-frills, Sarasota golf courses that you can play at a low price.

When looking for "value" courses to play on a golf vacation, it's often a good idea to check out the municipal offerings in the area. Please note that "check out" does not necessarily mean "book right away." Let's face it, some munis are dog tracks.

Luckily, that's not the case at Bobby Jones Golf Club, a facility with two shortish, but nonetheless regulation, 18-hole courses and a nine-hole executive course.

It might not be the best of the Sarasota golf courses, but it's got history going for it. Its British Course (longer and more challenging than the American Course) was designed by Donald Ross in 1926 and the late, great Bobby Jones "personally dedicated the facility," when it opened, helping to attract scores of top pros in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Here's the best part: the high-season green fee is only $17 (including tax). With a cart, it's still only $33. Few discount golf vacations can offer green fees better than that.

Below are other Sarasota golf courses that might fit the bill:

Tatum Ridge Golf Course. It's not a muni, but it's priced like one. Its most expensive green fee is $46 (cart and tax included). I'm told this links-style course attracts a lot of seniors.

Another one is Rolling Green Golf Club, whose green fee tops out at $40 plus tax. Not the longest course in Florida at 6,500 but it's known for its dramatic par threes.

A step up from there (in quality and price) is Oak Ford Golf Club, a 27-hole facility designed by well-known architect Ron Garl. Its high-season rates are $50-$70 (cart and tax included) but it may be well worth it if you enjoy playing amid lots of trees, ponds and wetlands.

Be sure to check the websites of these Sarasota golf courses before you book your tee times. There are sometimes coupons for discount golf vacations that are only available online.

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